(a) whether the Government are aware that the cases of goitre and diseases related to iodine deficiency were on the rise in Karnataka;
(b) if so, whether any survey has been undertaken in the State in this regard;
(c) the estimated number of such cases reported; and
(d) the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) to (c) : Surveys conducted by the Directorate General of Health Services and the State Health Directorate have revealed that 7 districts are endemic for Iodine Deficiency Disorders ( i.e. where the prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Disorders is 10% or more) out of the 20 districts in the State. However, as per re-survey conducted in one district namely Chickmaglur, the prevalence of IDD has declined from 32.14% in 1986 to 25.0% in 1998 as a result of supply of iodated salt.
(d) : In order to control the problem of Goitre and other Iodine Deficiency Disorders, the Governemnt of Karnataka has banned the sale of salt other than iodised salt in the entire State w.e.f. 25.2.1996. Further, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is providing financial assistance to the State Government for establishment of Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Cell. Health Education and Publicity, surveys to assess the magnitude of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and establishment of Iodine Deficiency Disorders Monitoring Laboratory under the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme. In addition, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare through the various agencies of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting namely Directorate of Field Publicity, Song and Drama Division. Doordarshan and All India Radio is also educating the masses about the consequences of Iodine Deficiency and the benefits of consuming iodised salt.